I love Valentine’s Day. And don’t get me wrong, by no means does that mean that I enjoy romance. Since I can remember, I have been a very non-romantic person. I avoid sappy movies when I can and always skip through any serenading scenes. Despite all that, I still enjoy Valentine’s Day. A couple of years ago, I decided to embrace a new philosophy regarding the holiday. Starting that year, Valentine’s Day became a day to remind myself that I am a powerful individual and I love myself. One of the best ways to do that is to watch movies with badass female leads. Here is a list of some I have watched over the years.
Hands down the most hype movie of all time, “Ocean’s Eight” is entertaining to watch and has one of the best all-star female casts ever. What more could you ask for than watching Rihanna, Sandra Bullock, and Awkwafina steal from Anne Hathaway? Not to mention, they all look amazing and radiate main character energy the whole way through. Although I have to say, you may want to perform a heist after watching this one. You can watch “Ocean’s Eight” on HBO Max, Hulu, or on an On-Demand service.
“Joy“
Jennifer Lawrence stars in this movie as the inspiring Joy, who rises from a nobody to one of the most powerful females in the business world. The movie itself is a journey as you get caught up in the roller coaster of becoming a business dynasty matriarch and watch Joy learn to maneuver her way through the new world she has now become part of. “Joy” can be found on Hulu, Sling TV, or any On-Demand platform.
As a lover of poker and all things with a casino vibe, “Molly’s Game” is one of my favorite movies. Based on a true story, it shows the journey of Molly Bloom, an Olympic skier who got into a horrible accident. Notwithstanding, she quickly becomes the organizer and puppet master of one of the most well-known and exclusive poker games in the world. “Molly’s Game” is streaming on Hulu, Sling TV, FuboTV, and any On-Demand platform.
Never a letdown, “The Devil Wears Prada” is an amazing movie following Anne Hathaway as she becomes an intern at a well-known fashion magazine but is taught that the fashion industry is a brutal place to be. Hathaway learns the tricks to her new world through her intimidating, and extremely powerful boss, Meryl Streep. Hulu, Sling TV, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime, and other services offer “The Devil Wears Prada” for free.
Although one of the darker Marvel movies, “Black Widow” is still a very exciting movie. Scarlett Johanson leads the almost entirely female lead cast on an action-packed adventure as women help save women and girls all over the world, with tons of cool technology and fighting scenes. “Black Widow” is available on Disney+ and On-Demand services.
“Moana“
Although definitely a different vibe than many of the other movies on this list, “Moana” remains one of my favorite “feel good” movies. The colors in the animation are bright and seem to bring a smile to my face. Not to mention, the amazing songs, intriguing plot, and most importantly a very powerful and independent female role. You can also watch “Moana” on Disney+ or rent it on On Demand.
“Hidden Figures” is a classic empowering movie. Many of us are college students, and this movie is a good reminder of how much potential every single one of us has to do something great for the world. This is an especially great option for anyone who may need help with procrastination, as it will leave you eager to solve an unsolved problem. Disney+, Hulu, and Sling TV offer “Hidden Figures.”
Both bright and cheerful, “Legally Blonde” is my go-to light-hearted movie. Both funny and inspiring at the same time, Elle Woods should serve as an inspiration to all of us. There is nothing more satisfying than watching Elle prove everyone’s stereotypes wrong, all the while never slacking with her outfits. “Legally Blonde” can be found on Hulu, fuboTV, or On Demand.
More of an “antique” vibe, this movie is an oldie but goodie. Probably the most romantic movie on this list, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will remind all of us of the importance of loving ourselves and those around us. Plus, Holly Golightly is one of the most relatable characters of all time. You can rent “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” on any streaming service.
“Cruella“
Despite being much more of a family movie, Emma Stone brings the heat in “Cruella.” Everyone loves a strong female villain origin story, and Cruella’s is no exception. Beautifully filmed with an amazing storyline, “Cruella” will make you consider becoming a fashion designer of the highest prestige just to flex on your enemies. You can stream “Cruella” on Disney+ or watch it On Demand.
Regardless of if you dread Valentine’s Day or already have a matching outfit with your S.O planned, loving yourself should always be a first priority. Taking some time out of your day for reminders and affirmations of how amazing you are is a great way to do that. Watching movies with amazing female-led casts, and maybe even seeing yourself in some of these heroines, is another surefire way to be the badass you already are.